Christine Taylor, whose home in Harlington will be severely impacted by a third runway, said: “I can’t imagine a worse appointment than Rob Gray who has spent the past four years working hard to destroy our homes, our health and our livelihoods. I’m shocked.”

Under Mr Gray's four-year leadership, Back Heathrow was the subject of controversy when an advert for theirs was banned for making false claims regarding the level of support for Heathrow expansion.

Back Heathrow said: "That ruling is confusing because even by the ASA's own definition of residents living near to Heathrow, the evidence clearly shows a majority of support for the airport's expansion. "Nevertheless, we are pleased that the ASA acknowledged that more local people support a new runway at Heathrow than oppose it."

Opposition group Stop Heathrow Expansion, claim how Mr Gray, also oversaw a mismanagement whereby people replying to their campaign materials were automatically registered as supporters.

Back Heathrow disputes this, and accused anti-expansion campaigners of "mischief making by actively signing up opponents to a pro-Heathrow campaign and then highlighting it for PR purposes."

Heathrow expansion CGI (Image: Heathrow Airports Ltd)

Rob Barnstone, campaign coordinator for Stop Heathrow Expansion, said: “Heathrow are taking a backward step in community engagement with this appointment.

“Many people are sceptical enough about engaging with the community relations team already.

"The fact that somebody who headed up such a controversial and tainted company, masquerading as a grassroots residents group, is now to be dealing with the very people whose homes he has spent four years trying to destroy.

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Heathrow Airport claim it is committed to developing an airport that is quieter and cleaner and continues to provide opportunities for its neighbours and future generations.

In making the announcement, the airport boasts that "Rob brings first-hand experience of the area from his time running the community campaign group Back Heathrow."

Heathrow expansion CGI (Image: Heathrow Airports Limited)

Mr Gray said: “I have always been an advocate of Heathrow because of the huge opportunities it offers local residents.

"I also recognise local concerns and the need for Heathrow to deliver on the commitments it has made to mitigate the impacts of expansion.

"Heathrow has demonstrated its willingness to listen and change its plans based on feedback.

"I’m looking forward to working with local communities to ensure our plans reflect their views.”

Former MP to take up the reigns of campaign

Mr Gray will take up the new role next month, working under executive director for expansion, Emma Gilthorpe.

Taking over from Mr Gray will be former minister Labour MP, Parmjit Dhanda, who held a parliamentary seat in Gloucester from 2001 to 2010.

Former Labour MP Parmjit Dhanda is now the executive director at Back Heathrow (Image: Back Heathrow)

Mr Dhanda, who was born in Southall , went to school in Hayes, and later served as a Hillingdon councillor, said: “As someone who knows the Heathrow patch very well, I am delighted to lead this vital campaign.

"Expanding Heathrow offers a golden opportunity for many local people and for the country, so we will make that case strongly.

"Yet expansion cannot come at any cost which means we need to be sensitive to the needs of residents for quality air, controlled noise and fair compensation to those directly affected.

“I know from experience that there is a generation of people who are proud of the prosperity that Heathrow has brought to tens of thousands of local residents."

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